Bond-Ordering Model for the Glass Transition

Abstract

We consider the idea of bond ordering as a model for glass transition: a generic covalently bonded liquid may substantially reduce its energy through bond ordering, without undergoing significant structural order. This concept is developed for a model system using quantities such as a bond order parameter and susceptibility which provide new identification for calorimetric glass transition temperature. Monte Carlo simulation results exhibit bond ordering at intermediate temperatures uncorrelated with any long-range structural ordering. Also discussed are various other implications of bond-ordering model for glass transition.